Scotland in top ten countries to visit.

The Rough Guide travel company has included Scotland on its list of top ten countries to visit in 2017. The country was ranked second on the list after India and just ahead of Canada and Uganda.

One of the highlights is the North Coast 500 road in the Highlands which runs through spectacular scenery of mountains, lochs and glens as well as white beaches which are great spots for surfing. Tourism specialist Visit Scotland has said that the road in the north west has been responsible for boosting the number of visitors to the country.

Harry Potter fans should visit north of the border and take a ride on the Hogwarts Express, or to give it its real name, the Jacobite steam train which runs through stunning countryside and over the Glenfinnan viaduct, a highlight of the route. Scotland's food and drink were also singled out by Rough Guides as one of the reasons to come for a visit. Glasgow and Edinburgh have plenty of top quality restaurants to choose from. Glasgow also now has a host of microbreweries producing fine ales which can be found in pubs and inns across the country. Of course the most famous drink produced in Scotland and exported all over the world is whiskey. Distilleries can be found all over the country and on many of the islands. Most will provide a guided tour for visitors with the chance to see how the whiskey is produced and then sample the final product before selecting a bottle or two to take back home. Scotland also gave the game of golf to the world and visiting golfers will find many fine courses throughout the country including St Andrews and Muirfield which have hosted The Open on several occasions.

Wherever you are in the country there is usually a golf course to be found nearby. The country has spectacular countryside popular with walkers, mountain bikers, climbers and lovers of the great outdoors. There is an abundance of wildlife to be spotted in the countryside and the birdlife includes the iconic golden eagle. Scotland has some great towns and cities to visit, with the capital Edinburgh a must see place for visitors. Explore the famous castle, home of the Edinburgh Tattoo or stroll through the Old Town checking out the shops and traditional pubs. Visitors can take a walk up to Arthurs Seat and enjoy the impressive views over the city. In August each year the city hosts the world famous festival where artists, comedians, poets and bands put on thousands of shows in pubs, clubs and even in the streets.